consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsä-lə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated

2

: the process of uniting : the quality or state of being united

specifically : the unification of two or more corporations by dissolution of existing ones and creation of a single new corporation

3

: pathological alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency

4

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.

Synonyms of consolidation

• merger
• unification
• merging

Examples of consolidation in a Sentence

the consolidation of several intelligence agencies into one super agency

Recent Examples on the Web

While much of the media attention has been on major studios, a trend in M&A has been consolidation in the influencer space and in influencer management. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026

For a quick turnaround, LightStream offers same-day loans and is CNBC Select's choice for the best debt consolidation lender for fast funding. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

For their part, NASA officials have said that last year’s layoffs and lab closures are making Goddard more efficient and competitiveand that the consolidation of buildings was part of a 2022 master plan. — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Block the Merger was never just about one merger, but about the harms of media consolidation and promoting a diversity of voices. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for consolidation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

consolidation

noun

con·​sol·​i·​da·​tion kən-ˌsäl-ə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process by which an infected lung passes from an aerated collapsible condition to one of airless solid consistency through the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli and adjoining ducts

pneumonic consolidation

also : tissue that has undergone consolidation

areas of consolidation

2

: the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting

Initially fragile memories can gain stability via consolidation, but the extent to which sleep contributes to this process is unresolved …

—John D. Rudoy et al.